Born of Albanian parents who emigrated from the Korca Region in the 1920s, Professor Christopher always had a keen interest in Albania, but he was not granted the opportunity to visit the country until 1990. In 1992 – in the early years of transition to Democracy – Peter Christopher and his wife spent nine months in Albania, during which time he conducted his research and taught math. It was then that he cemented his indelible appreciation for and interest in the country.
He has published a study titled “Mathematics in Albania,” in the journal Mathematics Intelligencer. Since his time in Albania, Professor Christopher has supported various Albanian causes in the United States. He has worked with relief organizations, organized fundraising events to support Kosova, and overseen Flag Day events at Pier 4 in Boston.
He has also introduced an Albanian project program into the Worcester Polytechnic Institute curriculum. Students in their third year are required to work on interdisciplinary projects applying technology to society, and many of these projects are performed internationally. In 2013, he initiated the WPI Albania Project Center based in Tirana, wherein WPI students collaborate with agencies in Albania on various projects during their stay in Albania.